Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
We are back on the road, big time. In August we made a road trip east to Berean church in Mansfield, OH and First Baptist in Cincinnati. We also saw old Japan colleagues Bob and Nancy Sorley in Columbus OH and visited Elaine’s sister in Kentucky. We took a quick road trip over Labor Day weekend to far northern Minnesota for the Ellen (Ellisons) Schuster wedding. She is kind of an adopted niece as her…
FOCUS ON ASIA Each week we see encouraging progress and we need your prayers for John’s Asia Impact Team (AIT). PRAISE We are potentially adding some new team members this fall but we are still seeking a team leader. PRAY for wisdom regarding a significant Indian partnership with connections in many countries and a possible connection in Practical Theological Education in a Muslim country PRAY for the preparations for our Strategy Summit in Portland Oregon…
Afghanistan has been in the news lately. This country has 70 unreached people groups and at least several hundreds of followers of Jesus. Lately one of our Converge leaders posted prayer points for Afghanistan. PRAY for the fellowship of underground believers PRAY for the continued success of digital and analog channels of evangelism. PRAY for the gospel to spread beyond the Afghan cities. PRAY for entire household to come to faith. PRAY for resettling Afghan…
PRAISE John has received many accolades on his final project on “the Japanese.” He is sharing this with key leaders and considering publishing it for wider impact. PRAY for energy and wisdom as we continue getting busier online with mentoring leaders, consulting missions, teaching the Bible, meeting with Japanese networks, and hanging out with potential new missionaries. PRAISE Thank God for the few days of vacation in June to celebrate our anniversary in Galena IL.…
FOCUS ON ASIA Our Asia Impact Team is unable to travel to any country in Asia at this time due to the pandemic. But we have not been waiting for the situation to change. First, developments in two countries closed to missionary visas could lead to working with leaders evangelizing many unreached people groups in more than 6 countries. For us this means a changing role, approach, and strategy to equip them. Second, we continue…
FOCUS ON JAPAN Always I am keeping my eyes on Japan. Over the last weeks I have been helping equip, mentor, and consult people working in Japan. The vision to reach the Japanese has not gotten cool in the chill of the pandemic. One group is using solely the internet and media to reach Japanese. Another group is gearing up several teams to enter Japan shortly. Another mission agency has asked me to join in…
FOCUS ON THE UNREACHED Our Converge mission is prioritizing Unreached People Groups (UPGs). These people groups (ethne) are under 2% evangelicals and less than 5% professing Christians. About 95% of the 6,642 UPGs are located in what is called the 10/40 window. You (and your church) may find this short video a good summary of UPGs. FOCUS ON ASIA And Asia is spiritually needy with most of the people groups that have yet to have…
Just completing the Perspectives course online with 120 people in Chicagoland area we are considering our next steps. For me, one next step is to conduct seminars, mentor people, and consult with churches in the US. I am also considering becoming a Perspective instructor. Now that I am in the US I can do more of this ministry with US churches. This month I am meeting a mission team in one of our partnering churches.…
Japan continues to struggle with Covid, having expanded and extended emergency measures to June 20th. Though the number of cases are not like numbers like we have seen in the US and elsewhere, the amount of Covid cases is overwhelming the health care system in Japan, especially in the Osaka area. Vaccinations are only at about 2%. We continue to meet discuss the situation with leaders throughout Japan. Please pray for gospel opportunities for every…
Elaine’s schedule is pretty full each month with at least 10 classes each month, mostly online. With the time zone differences, these get her up early some mornings or are held later in the evenings. This all while she is officially retired. Pray that God would strengthen her through all her responsibilities. Twice a month Bible Study with 6 Japanese ladies in Japan, only one is a Christian. Twice a month Bible Study with a…